REIGNING 400-meter bronze medallist Sada Williams was rewarded $ 150,000 by the Government of Barbados on Wednesday morning for her outstanding performance during the 2023 World Athletic Championships.
The feeling of Bajan pride was palpable at the Grantley Adams International Airport as Sada, surrounded by well-wishers, joined Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw in unveiling a large mural bearing the image of the 25 year old, along with a smaller mural inside the airport.
While congratulating Sada for her achievements, Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw also highlighted her humility on the world stage.
The deputy prime minister pointed out that Sada first made her presence felt in 2014 at the CARIFTA Games, later giving Barbados silver at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association Championships and gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
“You then went on to win bronze at the World Athletic Championship (WAC) in 2022, stamping your prominence as the third fastest female 400 meter runner in the world, and the first Barbadian female ever to win a medal at WAC. Earlier this year. You have demonstrated your consistency by repeating your bronze medal winning performance at the recently concluded World Athletic Championships in Budapest, Hungary.”
“On each occasion you have flown the Barbados flag high signalling to the world that we remain a small but resourceful and talented nation. And I must add that in so doing, you have set a standard to be emulated by our youth.”
She acknowledged the contribution of Jamaican coach Paul Francis, who attended the ceremony. “The name Francis has been synonymous on the world stage with turning ordinary athletes into global stars. And we have absolutely no doubt that with your guidance, that Sada is destined for global stardom. Our two governments, Barbados and Jamaica have been working together to establish strategic partnerships in sports. And I believe that Sada’s recent success with a Jamaican coach at her side has further cemented the need for us to accelerate those discussions and concretize the framework for our strategic partnership.”
During the ceremony, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith congratulated Sada and acknowledged her coach, Paul Francis.
He said: “This morning, the government is, in a small way, recognizing the effort Sada has been able to put in. I know that this is about dedication. This is about wanting more. And we have our eyes on the bigger prize next year in the summer, i.e. the Olympics.”
“This is 2023, the Year of the Youth and we’re doing every single thing to shine a light strong on the accomplishments of our young people and Sada, I want to really really congratulate you on what you’re doing so far.”
While thanking government representatives and other specially invited guests for the accolades, an appreciative Sada mused that a major motivator was the monetary reward.
She said she was pleased that those leaving the airport would see her face on the large billboard.
The double bronze medallist told the media that the season started slowly but started to pick up. “The bronze medal that I achieved this year, I was a little disappointed because I was expecting to upgrade from the bronze last year… so hopefully next year I can do a lot better medal-wise and time-wise.”She used the opportunity to thank her many Barbadian supporters. “I dont think all of this would be possible without their love and support and them watching me all the time. I always love to see them supporting me and showing me love.”
During the WAC Women’s 400m final in August, Sada finished third with 49.60 seconds, behind Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek who was second with 49.57 seconds. Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic won with 48.76 seconds.